# ethics discussion

Karl Boyken (boyken@cs.uiowa.edu)
Mon, 26 Feb 1996 06:38:17 PST

- Messages sorted by:[ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]

    First of all, I'd like to thank yduJ for opening this up to moo-cows.  I had
    been thinking about posting to moo-cows, but she's done my work for me.

    Second, I'm not a member of this list, so if you respond to my post, please also
    copy me.  Thanks.

    A bit about where I'm coming from:  I'm a system administrator.  I have to
    abide by the policies and guidelines laid down by my employer, and I also am
    compelled to conform to the ethical standards set forth by my professional
    peers.  I am proud to be a computer professional, and I do not want to see my
    status as a computer professional devalued by the unethical conduct of other
    computer professionals.

    The state of "serious" moos has caused me much concern in this regard.  People
    involved with these moos conduct themselves in ways which suggest that they wish
    to be considered some type of computer-related professional.  For example, Pavel
    Curtis presented a paper about MOOs to a conference of UNIX professionals a
    couple of years ago.  I've seen some of you present your MOO experience in your
    on-line resumes.

    Professionalism carries with it certain responsibilities.  The SAGE code of
    conduct is a statement of system administrator responsibilities, and I think
    many of its guidelines might apply equally well to those of you who wish to be
    considered more than amateurs.

    The fact that many--if not all--of you seem to be opposed to any idea that you
    have any responsibility about the conduct of wizards in general indicates to me
    that _no_ wizard should be able to wrap emself in the mantle of professionalism.
    This attitude common to your community is not simply negligent, it is explicitly
    anti-professional.

    I realize I am preaching to an unreceptive audience.  Be that as it may, I do
    feel compelled to make the attempt.  I also feel compelled to do what I can to
    alert my fellow system administrators to the fact that even "serious" moos, and
    their wizards, pose a threat to their profession.

    That's about it.  I'd appreciate any comments--please remember to copy me on
    any posts to this list.

    Thanks for your attention.

    --
    Karl Boyken, sys. prog., Dept. of CS, 303A MLH, U. of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
    email: karl-boyken@uiowa.edu              WWW: http://www.cs.uiowa.edu/~boyken/
    voice: 319-335-2730                                           fax: 319-335-3017